The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), in partnership with the University of Huddersfield,United Kingdom, has hosted a stakeholder consultation workshop aimed at developing a culturally appropriate dementia care pathway for Ghana.
The Principal Investigator of the project, Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and Visiting Senior Lecturer of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at KNUST, Dr Precious Adade Duodu, highlighted the importance of the UK-Ghana partnership in developing evidence-based and culturally appropriate solutions for dementia care.
He noted that dementia remains significantly underreported globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and stressed that Ghana currently lacks a dedicated dementia registry and specific dementia policy.
Sharing findings from previous research conducted in Ghana, Dr Duodu revealed that a study involving 800 participants found that 23.4 per cent were at risk of dementia. He explained that the research also examined factors associated with dementia risk and highlighted the challenges faced by family caregivers, including financial strain, stress, stigma, and limited support systems.
He emphasised the need for stronger community support, improved referral systems, caregiver education, and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to address misconceptions and improve access to care.